The National Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation and the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association are trying to obtain better information about the size, shape, weight and reach of firefighters wearing bunker gear. This information will help manufacturers design products that are better configured to fit today’s firefighters.

To this end, the organizations are asking fire departments to measure their firefighters while wearing bunker gear. Once compiled, the submitted data will be summarized in a FAMA White Paper.

FAMA asks that departments measure as many people as possible. If most firefighters can't be measured, a random group should be selected for statistical variation.

Prior to measuring, each subject should don the bunker gear that would be worn when riding in the apparatus cab, including any typical accessories such as flashlights or knives that would add bulk to the subject.

FAMA will be publishing only summarized data. Names and phone numbers of participants will not be distributed or used in any other way than to track the data during collection and collation. Questions concerning the use of data can be directed to J. Gordon Routely of the NFFF at 514-428-1685 or Roger Lackore of FAMA at 920-832-3249.

Instructions (PDF) and a data entry spreadsheet (Excel) are available for download. Results should be e-mailed to info@fama.org.